Truss for prolapsus uteri



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALLRAN POTEET, OF DANVILLE, INDIANA.

TRUSS FOR PROLAPSUS UTERI.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 1,209, dated June 29, 1889.

To au whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, ALLRAN PoTEE'r, o-f Danville, in the county of Hendricks and State of Indiana, have invented a Truss for the Relief or Cure of Prolapsus Uteri, and that the following is a full and exact description thereof.

A spring A, is so constructed that when worn, the ends will approach to within at least three inches of each other at the back of the wearer; they run forward above the hips to the superior anterior portion of the ossa ilia where the spring curves downward and follows the margin of the abdomen: the descending parts of the spring to be so curved that by their elasticity the anterior inferior portion of the spring may press tolerably firmly on the lower margin of the hypogastric region of the abdomen, for the purpose that the abdomen and bowels may project over the spring at this part in order that they may be supported thereby and prevented from pressing on the pelvic viscera. As the spring is to be worn neXt the body, it should be covered, and stuffed between the spring and covering with something soft on that side that is worn next the body to prevent irritation. That portion of the spring that is to make pressure on the hypogastric region of the abdomen should be broader and somewhat concave on its inner side that itmay well support sufficientI stuffing to form a kind of pad or cushion on this part.

To each side, immediately below where the spring commences to descend is attached a strap, B B, which straps receive one common buckle, C. The straps being long enough to admitthe buckle to cover the superior half of the breadth of the spring where it. is intended to make pressure on the hypogastric region of the abdomen. The spring may have a buckle and strap to fasten at the back should it be found necessary for keeping the spring to its place; though I have never found it necessary.

Near each end of the springshould be attached a button, D D, or buckle. There is, likewise, a strap, E E, bifurcated at one end for the purpose of being attached to the buttons or buckles at the back when worn. The other end of the strap must be so constructed that it may be attached to the buckle C, above referred to. This strap operates after the manner of the cross strap of a T bandage, and supports a pad or cushion F, which is tacked to the bifurcated strap named above, and so placed as to come in direct contact with the perineum and os eX- ternum when worn for this purpose the cushion should be about three inches wide and four long; well stuffed with some soft, or elastic substance.

The o-peration of the truss is as follows, to wit: The bifurcated end of the strap E E, being attached to the buttons D D, and drawn firmly by the buckle C, causes the ends of the spring to approximate nearer to each other and keeps the spring firmly to its place, while at the same time, the end of the strap that is attached to the buckle C, running exterior to the spring, causes it to press more firmly on the hypogastric region of the abdomen and forces the bowels upward. In the mean time, the cushion F, pressing firmly on the perineum and os externum, elevates the paricles of the vagina, and the uterus. It diminishes the atflua of blood to the lining memberane of the vagina, and consequently obviates the leucorrhea attending prolapsus uteri. It is to be taken olf when the patient lies down, if she chooses; but must be worn when up, till a cure is eected. Recent cases are relieved immediately; chronic ones, in from two weeks to as many months.

7What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The spring A, constructed in the manner herein described, in combination with the bifurcated strap E E, attached to the ends of the spring in the manner and for the purposes herein described.

v ALLRAN POTEET.

Vitnesses: y

AroLLos Hess, JAMES S. ODELL. 

